Sunday, September 30, 2007

Bravo!

Last evening, I went to watch Ones to Watch: Rachel Barton Pine in Concert, a concert performed by Rachel Barton Pine, and I have been inspired by her marvellous rendition. Many thanks to Shaw Foundation for sponsoring the concert. I am glad that I had went for the concert even though it took me close to an hour to travel to the concert hall.

She played on the following repertoire on the violin:
-Sonata No. 1 in G Minor for unaccompanied violin (Bach)
-Sonata No. 1 in G Major (Brahms)
-Rush for unaccompanied violin, dedicated to Rachel Barton Pine (Augusta Read Thomas)
-Romance (Amy Beach)
-Deep River (Samuel Coleridge-Taylor)
-Blues: Deliver My Soul (David Baker)
-Carmen Fantasy (Sarasate)

I am not a violinist but as a double bassist and a string-player, I marvelled at the way that she could control the tone of her instrument with masterly. I was fascinated by the virtuosity that she played the harmonics on her violin. She simply played the harmonics effortlessly and so beautifully.

Not only was she technically competent, her sound was beautiful and it sang to the audience. I particularly like her rendition of Brahms' Sonata No. 1 in G major and A. Beach's Romance. All the other works she had performed were lovely too. My ears and eyes were focused on her playing on stage throughout the entire concert. I am sure that the rest of the members of the audience have enjoyed the concert as much as I did.



Rachel Barton Pine performs Nobody Knows the Trouble I See.


To listen to her playing the violin, you may check out Rachel Barton Pine's YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/RachelBartonPine.

If you wish to own a piece of her recording, more information can be found here: http://rachelbartonpine.com/music.htm

5 comments:

eastcoastlife said...

Hey oceanskies, your little finger still not fully recovered yet? How's your exams? Gonna pass with flying colours? :)

oceanskies79 said...

Eastcoastlife: Thanks for your concern.

Even when i check with Western doctors, I was told that a loose ligament would take time to heal. At least my little finger can still play the double bass, despite it being jerky at the last joint, and weaker than before.

I hope I can pass my exams..I am waiting for the exams results.

mistipurple said...

it's people like Rachel who inspires us to learn our music well. bravo indeed.

solitudex said...

Her playing that evening was nothing short of breathtaking. Her Brahms was charming and beautiful! I really love her rendition of it. And it's just amazing the way she caresses such exquisite sounds from the violin.

Glad you went for and enjoyed the concert, oceanskies. =)

oceanskies79 said...

Misti: Yes, indeed. =)

Solitudex: You were there too! I think I might have caught glimpses of you while I was waiting for the concert to start.

Yes, I agree that her rendition of the Brahms' piece is beautiful.